Lake Barrine, Crater Lakes National Park

This park protects a crater lake surrounded by cool rainforest. A walking track, giant bull kauris and privately-owned teahouse and boat cruises mean this park is a popular stop for visitors.

Getting there and getting around

Lake Barrine is on the eastern part of the Atherton Tableland. It is about 60km or an hour's drive from Cairns via the Gillies Highway. The Atherton Tableland is also accessible via the Kennedy Highway from Cairns, the Palmerston Highway from Innisfail or the Mossman-Mt Molloy Road from Port Douglas.

Park features

Lake Barrine is a volcanic maar surrounded by rainforest. The deep waters of the lake and the pleasant coolness of the Atherton Tableland have combined to make Lake Barrine a popular stop for visitors to the area. The track around the lake allows for forest-fringed secluded views of the lake and excellent opportunities for viewing wildlife. Lake cruises operate from the privately-owned Lake Barrine teahouse. The gentle boat trip gives a different perspective and more insights into the lake and its wildlife. The privately- owned teahouse offers meals with relaxed views over the water.

Things to do

>>Walking>>Picnic and day use areas >>Canoeing>>Guided tours and talks >>Swimming>>Fishing>>Viewing wildlife